Acts 19

Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. ‭‭Acts‬ ‭19‬:‭13‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Spiritual warfare is a dangerous business, and is not to be taken lightly.  The seven sons of Sceva learned this the hard way, and were severely beaten by a demon-possessed man when they tried to use Jesus’ power themselves.  Their mistake was trying to use Jesus’ name like a magic spell or charm in order to drive out demons.  God’s power does not work that way.  God’s power is useful and accessible only to those who have put their trust and faith in Him by accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  Jesus said “Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy…Nothing will injure you” (Luke 10:19).  This is such an empowering thing to know as we live our lives in this fallen world where Satan reigns!  We can also take comfort in knowing that our Heavenly Father has given us everything we need to live a wonderful, fruitful, abundant life…despite being surrounded by evil:  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:10-12).  The important thing to remember is that we are helpless and vulnerable to attack apart from God.  We need Him every minute of every day!  “Submit therefore to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…” (James 4:7-8).  What thoughts, problems or temptations are you struggling with today?  Remember to use the tools that God has given you to be successful and victorious in every battle you face. “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:14-17).  It is so awesome that the Word of God is actually a weapon to be used against Satan!  The more you read, understand, and believe the words of the Bible, the more effective your weapons will become.  In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus demonstrates just how powerful Scripture can be when battling the devil.  Praise God for always giving us exactly what we need in life!